The smartest Ironman gains are made when race season ends, not when it starts. Lars breaks down how age-group triathletes can use the off-season to return stronger, faster, and better prepared for their next race.
If you’re training 10 to 15 hours a week and want to race better next year, this conversation offers a practical playbook: how much recovery you may need, why strength training matters, and how to use the off-season to address your weaknesses instead of simply trying to maintain fitness.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
– How Lars approaches recovery after an Ironman
– Why strength training supports performance, injury prevention, and long-term health
– How to use VO₂ max work while keeping Ironman-specific durability in mind
– Why the off-season is a valuable time to work on swim technique
– How trail runs, gravel rides, and other activities can build strength and keep training enjoyable
– The basics that matter for recovery: sleep, food, and thoughtful training choices
Lars also discusses the trade-offs of winter training: when to emphasize intensity, why cooling is important for indoor workouts, and how to approach heat training, altitude, and recovery methods without getting distracted by trends.
Casper Hessellund brings the athlete’s perspective, asking questions about how much to train, what to change after a race season, and how to build fitness without carrying too much fatigue into the next block.
Lars is an ambitious triathlete and full-time coach. Together, Casper and Lars share practical ideas for making the off-season productive while leaving room to rest, experiment, and enjoy training.
This episode is for triathletes and endurance athletes who want to make their off-season count and head into the next season with a smarter plan.